Complete Dubai Itinerary for 5 days in 2021!

Get ready for it – a Dubai itinerary for 5 days to make sure you have an epic break or holiday in Dubai.

Dubai offers a travel experience like no other. Most people consider Dubai as lavish modern city where the skyline dominates the sights and everyone owns an extravagant motor. But it’s important to remember that Dubai has traditional roots, which started as a tiny fishing village in a sparse desert. While the discovery of oil in the 1960s was a turning point for the emirate’s development, Dubai does, in fact, have a rich history that actually began centuries before.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury shopping experience at some of the world’s most lavish malls, simply want to relax by the beach or take part in traditional Emirati experiences, Dubai offers something for everyone.

 

What is the best time to visit Dubai?

Dubai is pretty much hot all year round and it never rains. Dubai being Dubai has even started to trail cloud seeding. What’s that? Well to put it simply, planes fire salt crystals into the clouds, which attract tiny particles of water that collide, becoming heavier and then falling as rain. In 2018 15% of Dubai’s rainfall was caused by cloud seeding and they’re still adapting the technology to improve results.

But seriously, you must avoid summer, from June to September where temperatures reach over 45 degrees and humidity hits hard. In September, temperatures drop slightly but humidity persists, so you can’t hang out in outdoors, even at night. Try to come from mid-October to mid-May which is classed as their winter, although you’ll probably still need your factor 50!

You can check out the live Dubai weather here!

How to get around UAE?

The RTA Dubai integrated pass covers all modes of transport in Dubai. It’s a quick and convenient way to travel around the UAE, making it easy for you to get the most out of your visit. With the RTA Dubai integrated pass you can use all the public transport modes across Dubai – metro, bus, tram, abra and water taxi. However, road taxis will have to be paid for using cash. The card is reusable with unlimited usage during the period of use. The regional passes will allow travel in other Emirates once activated in Dubai based on the type of pass purchased.

Day 1 in Dubai

Start off your day with a tasty breakfast at Eggspectation at JBR, a stylish café offering as you guessed it an egg focused menu. Take a stroll around Dubai Marina to burn off those extra calories and relax by the JBR Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an inflatable water zone to release the child in you whilst cooling you off from the midday heat or hop on a camel and take a ride down the beach.

After a relaxed afternoon, take the Metro to the world-famous Dubai Mall (always on everybody’s Dubai itinerary for 5 days) and shop till you drop at some of the world’s best designer outlets. But don’t worry there’s still high street brands such as Miss guided, H&M and Pull a Bear if your bank balance doesn’t stretch to Gucci!

If you like places like this – you will love my Singapore itinerary and Philippines itinerary!

After all, that shopping why not stop off at the Cheese Cake Factory for a sweet treat before heading to the Aquarium. Once the sun sets take a trip up to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, measuring over 800 metres tall and marvel in Dubai’s impressive skyline. Last but not least finish the evening watching the incredible water fountain.

Day 2 in Dubai

Take a trip to Dubai Creek and grab a traditional abra, small wooden water taxis, which ferries passengers between the souks of Deira and the historic district of Bur Dubai. Here you can treat your senses to the aroma of some unique and exotic spices and even pick some for your kitchen back home. If cooking’s not your strong point then why not head to Gold Souks where some of the world’s most extensive and potentially cheapest gold collection lay.

Why not embark on an unforgettable skydive overlooking the Palm or take a helicopter ride to see Dubai skyline from a bird’s eye view, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Day 3 in Dubai

No trip to Dubai would be complete without a desert safari. Eat a traditional Arabic barbecue, go dune bashing, watch belly dancing and ride camels whilst being surrounded by picturesque landscape. Tours don’t necessarily need to be booked in advance and guest will be picked up and dropped off at most hotels or residences in Dubai. A desert safari is an ideal way to gain a better understanding of what life was really like before the city boomed.

A top tip is to download Groupon to access deals on the best things to do in Dubai including a Dubai desert tour.

Day 4 in Dubai

Take a day trip to the neighbouring UAE’s ultra-modern capital of Abu Dhabi and stroll around the white marble masterpiece of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, admire views of the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit and have fun at the world-famous Ferrari World.

On this occasion, I’d recommend jumping onto an organised tour as a taxi can soon mount up and I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car in Dubai unless you’re an experienced driver! Plus all your worries are taken care of with guided commentary, round-trip transport and hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai.

Day 5 in Dubai

Spend your morning relaxing on Kite Beach where you can enjoy as you guessed it kite surfing or have a go at paddleboarding on the calm crystal blue waters of the Gulf. Enjoy lunch on the boardwalk where there is plenty of quirky pop-up retro vans selling burgers, hot dogs, shakes and more before heading to Zero Gravity to party the night away.

Zero Gravity is a must-do when it comes to experiencing Dubai’s party scene. Boasting a vast, pristine beach and a huge glass-fronted swimming pool, Zero Gravity attracts residents and visitors alike. Plush day beds are placed to capture exceptional sea views, complemented by privacy, yet coupled with premium service, refreshments and facilities to create an always-flawless experience. Zero Gravity’s ultra-modern two-tier restaurant and several terraces follow its ‘day to night’ concept perfectly and make for an unforgettable experience.

Best places to eat Dubai

On your Dubai itinerary for 5 days let’s look at the best places to eat!

You wouldn’t necessarily think Dubai had award-winning food compared to the likes of American or Indian cuisine, but think again! Over the 5 days, we spent in Dubai we never had a bad meal. You’re spoilt for choice with the number of luxury rooftop restaurants, quirky cafés and bottomless brunches.

1. Azure Beach

A paradise haven located in Rixos Premium Dubai in JBR, Azure Beach caters for the whole family serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend the sushi and fruit platter and there’s even shisha for dessert!

2. Purani Dilli Dubai

If you’re looking for delicious food full of flavour, excellent customer service and great ambience head to Purani Dilli for a unique spin on classic Indian cuisine. I’d highly recommend the vegetable galouti and lasooni palak. There’s even live singing which adds to the flavour of the whole experience.

3. Maiden Shanghai Brunch

Set at the heart of the FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Maiden Shanghai offers dramatic views across the marina and an amazing karaoke room serving Chinese fusion dishes. The staff are very attentive and offer a 5-star experience you won’t forget.

Best places to stay in Dubai

With Dubai still rapidly growing and tourism expanding constantly there’s no surprise new hotels are popping up all the time. But where’s best to stay? Dubai is massive so picking the right area for you is important. Here are a few of our favourites to try.

1. Neighbourhood: Downtown Dubai

Perfect for all you shopaholics at there, Neighbourhood is located on the Dubai’s Mall doorstep, as well as offering incredible views of the Burj Khalifa. You’ll also be welcomed by a luxurious décor, a dedicated spa and wellness floor, along with an extensive range of dining options, including Turkish restaurant the Galliard. Check the Dubai hotel out here!

2. Park Hyatt: Dubai Creek

This exotic resort in the heart of the city overlooks the Dubai Creek, marina and city skyline and is home to an award-winning spa, waterfront dining promenade, palm-fringed swimming pool and some of the most lavish rooms and suites in the city. Enjoy Friday brunch at the award-winning Traiteur or try some tasty Thai food with live cooking stations at the Thai Kitchen. The Lounge is a relaxed spot for afternoon tea, while those with a sweet tooth will love the homemade desserts and Arabic sweets at Pistache. Awesome rooms here to see!

3. Atlantis: The Palm

Atlantis The Palm is a majestic resort on Palm island with magnificent scale and uniqueness. The resort offers both relaxation and adventurous thrills for couples and families. Amaze yourself with 65,000 marine animals at the aquarium, splash into a world of excitement at Middle East’s number one waterpark, and indulge in award-winning celebrity chef restaurants. Relax on the pristine white beaches and test out the luxury spa, there’s something for everyone. Check out this amazing Dubai accommodation here!

Final thoughts

Hope you’ve enjoyed this complete Dubai itinerary for 5 days – so you can have an amazing break in Dubai!